BAY, OR GLOSSY IBIS. 89 



of the world. On the borders of rivers and lakes it is seen, 

 for example, abundant as a bird of passage in Poland, Hun- 

 gary, Turkey, and the Archipelago ; it visits the borders of 

 the Danube, is seen sometimes in Switzerland and Italy, 

 rarely in England and Holland ; is for seven months a peri- 

 odical visiter in Egypt : where, in common with the Sacred 

 Ibis, it was revered and embalmed in the vast catacombs 

 of Saccara and Memphis. It arrives in that country in Oc- 

 tober, and leaves it in the month of March. They are 

 known to breed up the rivers of the Caspian and Black 

 Seas, and to spread themselves into Russia, Siberia, Tartary, 

 Denmark, occasionally into Sweden, and perhaps Lapland, 

 for the same purpose ; remaining in those countries till driven 

 to migrate by the inclemency of approaching winter, at 

 which period they appear to arrive in Africa and Asia. It is 

 a still more rare and accidental visiter in the United States, 

 than in England. A specimen has occasionally been exposed 

 for sale in the market of Boston, and individuals are, at dis- 

 tant intervals, shot off Long Island, and on the shores of 

 New Jersey. At very irregular periods, in the spring season, 

 small flocks are thus seen on the coasts of the Middle States, 

 and as far south as Maryland and Virginia. Vieillot also 

 asserts their occasional appearance even in Cayenne, Ice- 

 land, and Greenland ; and they are found common along the 

 rivers, in the island of Java, and the Celebes. 



The Ibises ordinarily dwell together in flocks, in marshy 

 and inundated grounds, exploring for their food with great 

 regularity, side by side advancing, like disciplined troops in 

 an extended line, perambulating the meadows they visit in 

 preference to making a desultory flight, and for hours they 

 are observed boring the same spot with their long and sen- 

 sitive bills, when their prey is abundant. Sedate in their 

 movements, elevating their feet high in walking, and as it 

 were m.easuring their steps ; they seem by the delicacy of 



